Max Heesen’s quick ascent into the rosters of Drumpoet Community, Sthlmaudio Recordings and Dessous Recordings coincided with that of Ribn, his collaboration with Manuel Tur, and Mild Pitch, the label he runs with Dplay and Tur. But as Langenberg he’s also grown noticeably and earned each rung he’s climbed. The Past Present EP almost represents another rung in his career. The title track shares a dramatic palette and widescreen attitude with Âme, led by a forceful, Chicago-influenced low-end and hazy pads, and finished off with string whines and urgent synth sax wails. Modest but effective enough, “Monday 16th” bobbles mild stabs and a chorus of ambiguously ethnic vocals on supple toms and woodblock patterns. “Backyard” drives home a full-bodied groove, yet the resounding claps are more affecting than accompanying marimba chords and suggest more exciting decisions could’ve been made. By taking more chances Langenberg could truly set himself apart.

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